Another thing I’m pondering when it comes to registries: where to have gifts delivered. I live in an apartment with no doorman, and the post office and FedEx/UPS do not leave gifts. Not to sound ungrateful in the anticipation of these gifts arriving, but I do not want to make numerous trips to the post office prior to our wedding.

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When researching need-to-know registry details, I asked my Macy’s contact about discontinued styles. The reason I asked is because during my shopping experience at Bloomingdale’s in NYC, the bride’s china was discontinued.

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While I am picking Macy’s because of its national presence (given our long list of out of town guests), I also have asked local independent retailers if they offer out of town options, and they said they do.

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I stopped by Macy’s to make an appointment to register. They take appointments during regular store hours which means Saturday and Sunday—very happy to hear that!

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I subscribe to a few e-newsletters and on the 22nd of every month I receive the “here’s what you should do this month” tips. I’ve noticed that I’ve been basically on track, even a little ahead when it comes to picking my vendors, as I already have a florist and a photographer. Back in September I hit the eighth-month countdown marker for our wedding and BOTH e-newsletters that I received said it was time to register. I have a confession—I have been super excited to register!!

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I was also doing a little research today about formalwear chains because I will need a national chain due to all of the cities in which our groomsmen, ushers, and fathers live: Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, San Diego, Madison, and Minneapolis. Or do I?

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In thinking about the bridesmaid dresses, shopping, et cetera. I also began to think about the tuxes. Do I go ”shopping” and “try on” tuxes at rental locations with just Ion, or should we involve his brothers? If so, do I need to make an appointment? How long does it take for the guys to order? Is it a week, a month, 4 months?

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I love food, I love wine, and I love them together. I think it stems from when my mom and her sister used to own a dessert company in the Twin Cities. From a relatively young age, I grew up around the local food and restaurant scene.

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When we went to Ion's brother, Sven's wedding in Mexico, one of the groomsmen served as a Master of Ceremonies. I thought this was such a great way to introduce the bride and groom and the parents and siblings who were giving speeches. It worked well not only because they didn't have a DJ, but even more so because it added a special touch because someone who knows these individuals introduced them to the guests.

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On a trip to NYC (for a wedding) in the end of September, I decided to make the most of the trip and do a little more bridesmaid dress shopping. I scheduled an appointment at Vera Wang maids on Madison.

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